When your roof becomes damaged, it isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. If you are dealing with a roof leak, it can be particularly stressful, as you may not know the extent of the damage. Additionally, any roof damage can have homeowners worrying about the cost of roof repairs.
Luckily, this is exactly why you have home warranties! With a good warranty on your side, you may be able to get away with not even paying a cent.
Still, understanding your warranty policy is complicated for even the most seasoned homeowner. That’s why we are here to help! We’re here to answer all of your questions including:
- Do home warranties cover roof leaks?
- How do you identify a roof leak?
- What is the best way to file an insurance claim?
Signs of a Roof Leak
Sometimes a roof leak is obvious. Other times, though, it can be difficult to locate. Early detection is key to preventing further roof damage that can be costly to fix and damage the structure of your home. Here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Mold and Mildew – Is there a musty scent in your home that you can’t find the source of? It may be mold growth hiding in your walls and ceiling. Mold thrives in a warm, moist environment. Sometimes the source of that moisture may be a hidden roof leak somewhere in your home.
- Water Stains – Water stains can be caused by roof leaks that you are unaware of. Water stains typically look like yellow or brown discoloration on your ceiling or walls.
- Damaged Personal Items – If you’ve gone up to your attic recently and found that your boxes and other personal items are stained or damaged? Water may be leaking from your ceiling without you knowing it.
- Frozen Shiners – Shiners are roofing nails that occasionally stick out into your attic. If you are noticing signs of ice or frost on them during the cold months, you may be looking at a roof leak.
Do Home Warranties Cover Roof Leaks?
So, let’s cut to the chase. Will your home warranty cover a roof leak? The answer is that it depends.
There are two main types of home warranty roof coverage: product warranties and workmanship warranties. Product warranties are designed to cover faulty roofing materials themselves, whereas workmanship warranties will cover faulty installation on the part of your roofing contractor.
If your damage is due to product failure or bad installation, your warranty should cover the roof leak. However, if the leak is caused by something else, such as poor maintenance on your end or storm damage, your warranty will likely not cover it.
3 Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim
If your warranty doesn’t cover the repair costs, your homeowners insurance might! Typically, your roof coverage extends to damage that occurs from an event that is out of your control, such as storm damage or falling trees.
Here are the steps you should take to make sure you get the most out of your roof leak coverage.
1) Document the Damage
As soon as you spot the damage, it’s important to document it extensively. This means taking photos from multiple angles and videos. This will help your insurance company when it comes time to file your claim.
2) Contact a Roofing Contractor
The next step is to reach out to your local roofing contractor. They can come to assess the damage and give you a quote for the roof repairs. This will assist your insurance company in knowing how much they may have to cover.
Additionally, many roofing companies will assist you in filing your insurance claim. Be sure to ask your contractor if this is a service that they offer.
3) File Your Claim
Lastly, you’ll want to contact your insurance company to actually file your claim. Your insurance provider should be able to help you through the process, making sure that you get the money you deserve.
Get the Roof Repairs You Deserve
Whether your home warranty company covers the roof repair or not, Northface Construction can help you get your roof leak under control! As your local roofing experts, we can quickly assess the damaged area and offer you affordable and long-lasting solutions. Contact us today to get a free quote on your roofing project!
